Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Chavez.
Hi Robin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent more than a decade working in financial services, but interior design was something I had wanted to pursue for years. For a long time, it never felt like the “right” time to leave a stable career and start over in a completely different industry.
Over the years, I found myself taking on more and more design projects, both in my own homes and for family members. I loved the entire process, from pulling together the overall vision to working through all of the little details and decisions that ultimately make a space feel finished. Going through several renovations of my own also gave me a real appreciation for the client side of the process and how overwhelming it can be to balance aesthetics, budget, functionality and everyday life.
Eventually, those experiences gave me the push I needed to stop thinking about design as something I might do someday and actually pursue it. I started Blue House Interior Design with the belief that a home can be beautiful and elevated without sacrificing practicality. I’m always thinking about how a space will actually be lived in, not just how it will photograph. As a mom of three with a dog and a busy household, I know firsthand that real life can be messy. I want the homes I design to be able to handle the kids, the dog, entertaining, and everyday routines while still feeling beautiful and thoughtfully put together.
My background in financial services influences my approach more than you might expect. I’m very detail-oriented and thoughtful about where it makes sense to invest, where it doesn’t, and how all of the individual decisions fit into the bigger picture. Today, I bring that perspective to Blue House, helping clients with everything from furnishings and finishing details to larger renovations and full-service design. Ultimately, I want to create homes that feel personal, timeless and designed for real life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it has been completely smooth, but I think that’s true of starting any business. Leaving a career I had spent more than a decade building, and the security that came with it, was both exciting and intimidating.
I’ve also learned quickly that being an interior designer and running an interior design business are two very different things. There’s so much that happens behind the scenes, from building relationships with vendors and contractors to marketing and learning the operational side of the industry.
Personally, one of my biggest challenges has been getting comfortable with not knowing everything right away. I’m naturally very detail-oriented and like to feel prepared, but starting a business requires you to learn as you go. Every project, connection and experience teaches me something new, and that has also been one of the most rewarding parts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Blue House Interior Design is a Portland-based residential design studio focused on creating timeless, elevated homes that are also comfortable, practical and meant to be lived in. I work on everything from furnishings and room design to renovations and full-service projects, and I especially love opportunities to help shape the bigger picture of a home.
What sets Blue House apart is the balance between beauty and practicality. Good design has to make sense for the people living in the home, including kids, pets and everyday messes. My financial services background also makes me very conscious of budgets and where a client’s money will have the greatest impact. I love mixing investment pieces with more accessible finds rather than believing everything has to be expensive.
The Blue House name comes from our own Portland home. We bought it during the pandemic when it was an orange-red color and quickly painted it a deep, dark blue. It completely transformed the house, and it was there that the idea for Blue House Interior Design came to life. Blue also feels timeless and classic, which reflects my approach to design.
Most importantly, I don’t want to create a signature “Blue House look.” I want each home to reflect the people who live there. To me, Blue House is about timeless homes for real life.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We moved to Portland from Los Angeles in 2021, so I always joke that a lot of the things people consider “problems” here don’t feel quite as daunting after living in LA! I love that Portland feels like a large small city. We have incredible restaurants, arts and culture, and I can get into the heart of the city quickly while still feeling insulated by nature at every turn. The coast, mountains and wine country are all within easy reach, too.
When we bought our house, it even came with three chickens in the backyard, which felt like the most Portland welcome imaginable! I also love the character of the neighborhoods and homes here, especially from a design perspective.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would probably just be how long the gray stretch can feel by February and March. I actually enjoy the cozy weather, especially around the holidays, but once those are over, you start getting pretty ready for spring. Then everything turns unbelievably green and you remember why all that rain is worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluehouseinteriordesignpdx.com/
- Instagram: @bluehouseinteriordesign
